Settings for indoor sports photos

[esther_a]

I actually bought my DSLR because my point-and-shoot was doing awful things to my indoor sports photos including applying some sort of sharpening that was giving everyone a halo (and they didn't all deserve it ).
Anyhow, I tried manual settings tonight. I set ISO to 1600. I seemed to get the best pics with f/5.7 and 1/32s although there was a lot of motion blur.
I couldn't set the f-stop any lower because I was zooming as far as I could go - 55 (whatever that number is called!).
Perhaps I should have moved closer? Any other suggestions?
Thanks in advance!

[LauraBean]

Indoor sports are hard to shoot because the light is low. Without a flash, it sounds as if you're doing as well as you can with the lens you have. If you zoom less, assuming your lens is a variable maximum aperture lens, you can get a larger aperture (smaller number) and get a bit more light.

The sad truth is that a faster lens--a lens that allows you to open up that aperture more (smaller number)--will allow you to get better shots. The 50mm f/1.8 is the least expensive option (in the U.S. it's under $100); for more reach you'll pay more. The 85mm f/1.8 is said to be a great lens and not toooo expensive--but thrice the price of the 50 here in the U.S.

[beehive50]

Over the last few months, I've found I have the same problem shooting my son's high school soccer games... outdoors in the stadium but at NIGHT! Grrrrrrr... I sooooooo need a faster lens! And, it is sooooooo outta the budget!

I've had these recommended to me... I shoot w/a Canon Rebel XTi and NEED the zoom to get those shots across the soccer field!

Tamron 28-300 f/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC
-- Not sure what all the letters mean, but with "VC" it's about $600, without "VC" it's about $350. No clue what the difference is... but, it's definitely faster than my f/5.6! But, is it enough?

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Lens
--Supposedly the best, but at about $1000, it's freakin' me out just thinking about spending that much money! I'm so NOT a pro... just a fanatical mom!

Anyone have any thoughts on these... thanks!!!

[anke]

I hear you all. You spend all that money on a good camera and you still have to spend more otherwise your pictures don't improve, LOL. What a dilemma. I would like to know the answer too! Where is Mrs. Katrina?

[beckyswisher]

All of the above is great information...but another thing you might consider is shooting with a monopod? (single ) or a tri-pod? I know that when I shoot photos at indoor soccer games with florescent lighting I can only do so at that distance range if I have a way to keep totally steady... Are you changing your lighting setting to account for the florescent light? In the Program Mode (p) you can reset for lighting conditions....hope this helps.

[LauraBean]

Originally Posted by beehive50

Tamron 28-300 f/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC
-- Not sure what all the letters mean, but with "VC" it's about $600, without "VC" it's about $350. No clue what the difference is... but, it's definitely faster than my f/5.6! But, is it enough?

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Lens
--Supposedly the best, but at about $1000, it's freakin' me out just thinking about spending that much money! I'm so NOT a pro... just a fanatical mom!

Anyone have any thoughts on these... thanks!!!

I'm not familiar with the Tamron, but going on the name, I would say it's not going to be any faster than your current 75-300; in fact, zoomed out it will only open up to f/6.3--really slow! VR is Tamron's version of image stabilization, btw, which is why it adds so much to the price.

I do hear fabulous things about the Canon 70-200 f/2.8L--but, yeah, the price! Yikes. You can spend even more and get the IS.

[beehive50]

Originally Posted by beckyswisher

All of the above is great information...but another thing you might consider is shooting with a monopod? (single ) or a tri-pod? I know that when I shoot photos at indoor soccer games with florescent lighting I can only do so at that distance range if I have a way to keep totally steady... Are you changing your lighting setting to account for the florescent light? In the Program Mode (p) you can reset for lighting conditions....hope this helps.

I've considered a monopod... that'd be a cheaper "fix"! LOL And, yes... I've played around with ALL the settings and still can't get it right, so I'm pretty sure it's the slowness of my lens... dang!

Originally Posted by LauraBean

I'm not familiar with the Tamron, but going on the name, I would say it's not going to be any faster than your current 75-300; in fact, zoomed out it will only open up to f/6.3--really slow! VR is Tamron's version of image stabilization, btw, which is why it adds so much to the price.

I do hear fabulous things about the Canon 70-200 f/2.8L--but, yeah, the price! Yikes. You can spend even more and get the IS.

Laura... thanks for your thoughts on the Tamron... I didn't think about it being all zoomed out at f/6.3... I was thinking the opposite! Whew! You just saved me $600! Now, I can put that towards the REAL lens I want... sigh...

[KerryMac]

I think the sad truth is that you can have the best camera body on the market, but unless you have great lenses, you're kind of limited in what you can do. Especially when it comes to sports.
One thing you could try, if you have a detachable flash, is to use a bounce card of some kind and then drag the shutter. ie set the shutter speed to about 1/30, open up your aperture and set the flash to ettl - about 1/3 stop. This will let some initial light in but then the flash will provide illumination and freeze the action. It's what I use when shooting wedding receptions and once you get the hang of it, it works quite nicely. Of course you'd have to ask the coach if you could use flash...
But the best thing is to get a good fixed aperture lens, like the 2.8 70-200 which allows you to work in lower light situations more easily. It's expensive, but I've had mine for 10 years and it still works great and I couldn't live without it. I've shot lots of indoor sports with that lens; no tri or mono pod. It rocks!

[sam ellis]

Debi - save up and go the 2.8 70-200. IT IS the only way to go. !

[esther_a]

Thanks so much for all the tips. My photos are too slow, and although some parts were in focus most of the 'action' suffered from motion blur. I'll have to try getting closer. I might try asking permission for flash - but if another parent was doing that I'd think them very rude and disruptive of the game. The real solution for me, I guess, is a different lens. Perhaps next Christmas!

[beehive50]

Originally Posted by sam ellis

Debi - save up and go the 2.8 70-200. IT IS the only way to go. !

I kinda figured that'd be the route to go... got a few pennies in the jar already!

[ambrown19]

I just took a class on sports photography because I was doing lots of basketball and not getting good results. I ended up buying the 70-200. I also had the 50mm -- which worked great for basketball at certain places on the court -- but I missed the zoom. I was able to find the Nikon 70-200 for about $500 under the retail price by buying used. So -- you may want to keep your eyes open on Craigslist, Ebay or even a local camera shop (where I found mine ) for the occassional used 70-200.

Angie

[kkstock]

Thanks girls! These are great tips.

[maryannwise]

why dont you try renting the 70-200 2.8L lense? Its a heavy beast, but you'll get one set of great photos for the season for about $40.00

[beehive50]

Originally Posted by maryannwise

why dont you try renting the 70-200 2.8L lense? Its a heavy beast, but you'll get one set of great photos for the season for about $40.00

That's a GREAT idea, MA... why the heck didn't I think of that? I'll have to research that around here and give it a go! Thanks!

Since Sam says I *have* to eventually buy the lens ... thanks, Angie, for the tips on where I might find it cheaper!

[katrinak]

Debi

Try out photlensrental.com. I've rented that exact lens from them as well as a 400mm beast of a thing. They have super fast turn around and great prices. They'll mail it right to you in this super padded bag and include all of the return mailing packing and labeling.

Love them!

[kkstock]

Dang....I didn't know you could rent a lense!! Thanks Katrina!

[beehive50]

Originally Posted by katrinak

Debi...Try out photlensrental.com. I've rented that exact lens from them as well as a 400mm beast of a thing. They have super fast turn around and great prices. They'll mail it right to you in this super padded bag and include all of the return mailing packing and labeling. Love them!

Oooooooh, thanks, K... I'll check them out! No night games coming up in the near future, but Shannon's got a late afternoon game in April... just might have to see if I can get me one of those babies to try!

ETA: I just checked this out... it's only $51 to rent "my" lens for a week! Yowza! I am SO doing that! Thanks again, Katrina!

[katrinak]

Be sure you rent it well before you need it Debi. The lens is a bit heavy and takes some getting used to! (that being said, I know wish I owned it...renting is Baaaaaaad lol)

[maryannwise]

rentglass.com also ....

[antiquechic]

I would also check into buying it used because you will save a ton of money! Around here, the National Camera & Video buys used equipment, checks it out, and resells it -sometimes with a warranty from manufacturer but at least with a warranty from the store so you know it's going to work! See if you have reputable stores that sell used camera equipment in your area!

[beehive50]

Thanks for all the tips! Can't wait to try it out... after I buy a monopod so I can carry the dang thing! LOL

[twistedpeppermint]

I too have a Canon Rebel XTi and have been struggling with basketball and volleyball and indoor soccer shots. I am renting the 70-200 2.8L lense from Rentglass and it should be here Tuesday. I can't wait to try it out. The lense I mostly use now is the 75 - 300 f/4-5.6 and it works pretty good for baseball and outdoor soccer. I know I'm going to want to buy this lense.

[beehive50]

Originally Posted by twistedpeppermint

I too have a Canon Rebel XTi and have been struggling with basketball and volleyball and indoor soccer shots. I am renting the 70-200 2.8L lense from Rentglass and it should be here Tuesday. I can't wait to try it out. The lense I mostly use now is the 75 - 300 f/4-5.6 and it works pretty good for baseball and outdoor soccer. I know I'm going to want to buy this lense.

Oh, lucky you! Be sure to check back in and let us (me! ) know how it works! Can't wait to see! Gosh, you and I shoot the same and use the same lens, so I'm really anxious to hear all about the rental AND how good the lens works. Shannon's got a huge tournament in a few weeks and even tho it's during the daylight hours, I just might wanna rent a lens, too!

[twistedpeppermint]

I received the 70-200 2.8L IS lens Tuesday afternoon from rentglass. The lens is heavy but I think I can adjust to it and I have a monopod I can use. So far I"ve only taken shots of the trees blooming, my cats indoors and some of the neighborhood kids riding their bikes. My son has a basketball game tonight and tomorrow night. So I"m very excited to try it out since that's my main goal. (indoor, low light, fast action) He is supposed to play in a baseball tournament this weekend too but looks like it might get snowed out.

[beehive50]

Originally Posted by twistedpeppermint

I received the 70-200 2.8L IS lens Tuesday afternoon from rentglass. The lens is heavy but I think I can adjust to it and I have a monopod I can use. So far I"ve only taken shots of the trees blooming, my cats indoors and some of the neighborhood kids riding their bikes. My son has a basketball game tonight and tomorrow night. So I"m very excited to try it out since that's my main goal. (indoor, low light, fast action) He is supposed to play in a baseball tournament this weekend too but looks like it might get snowed out.

Sooooooooooo... how's the lens working? I'm dyin' to know!

[twistedpeppermint]

Wow! I really want it. I"m going through some pics now. I"ll upload a comparison. (Keep in mind I'm just a mom hoping for the shot)

[twistedpeppermint]

I took this photo last night using the 70-200 2.8L IS lens.

[beehive50]

Ooooooooh, GREAT shot! And, that's straight outta the camera? Wow... and now I really think I'm gonna need to rent this one, too... and start saving my money! Your photo looks great and I'm sure it'd be just a sweet outside at a nighttime soccer match. Off to check rentglass...

[twistedpeppermint]

I do not want to send this lens back . . . but alas, I must. . . now I will be saving money to purchase it. I really think this is the answer to my basketball, indoor soccer and night games. If we get to play baseball this weekend (Missouri rain and snow) then I hope to be able to try it out at night under the lights. I have to return it Tuesday.